Cisco Joins Global Patent Pool to Boost Next-Gen Wi-Fi 6 Technology

Cisco Systems, Inc. has officially joined the Sisvel Wi-Fi 6 patent pool programme, marking a significant milestone in the licensing landscape for next-generation wireless technologies.

The Sisvel Wi-Fi 6 patent pool is a global program that makes it easier for companies to legally use key technologies behind faster, smarter Wi-Fi 6. Instead of negotiating with dozens of patent owners, companies like Cisco can get access to nearly 2,000 essential patents through one simple license. Managed by Sisvel, the program helps avoid legal hassles, speeds up innovation, and ensures fair use of the tech that powers modern wireless devices—from smartphones to enterprise routers.

Key Highlights of the Deal

• Scope of Access: Cisco gains one-stop access to nearly 2,000 patents (organized into 245 patent families) deemed essential to the 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 standard.
• Patent Evaluation: These patents have undergone independent essentiality evaluations, ensuring their relevance to the Wi-Fi 6 specification.
• Strategic Importance: Cisco, a global leader in enterprise networking and AI-driven connectivity, strengthens its position in the Wi-Fi 6 ecosystem, especially in enterprise-grade access points.

Broader Context

Sisvel’s Wi-Fi 6 Pool: Launched in July 2022, the pool has seen a surge in adoption, with 20+ new licensees joining since Q4 2023.

Patent Contributors: The pool includes patents from multiple key innovators in Wi-Fi 6 technology. You can view the full list of contributors on Sisvel’s official site.

Industry Validation: Sisvel’s Head of Licensing, Nick Webb, called Cisco’s entry a “major validation” of the pool’s transparent and efficient licensing model.

This move not only simplifies Cisco’s access to critical IP but also signals growing industry alignment around collaborative licensing frameworks for emerging standards. Want to explore how this impacts Wi-Fi 7 or enterprise deployments next?